I have been talking to myself ever since I remember. And having a photographic memory I remember myself well; doing, playing, observing being as young as 1 year old, i remember a lot of things. And this listening, seeing, ultra observing of actions, reactions, relating, co-relating, correcting them, learning from what didn’t go right, or what did, the tone and sounds in a language, feelings; I am always well aware of each happening, every vibration that I receive or give.
It is pure grace, a blessing. Namaste.
Another blessing had been this blog, Road to Nara : My travels as a Yogi and the family that it has provided me. Each and every soul of you. To tell you, It has saved me from something, I do not know what but very important something. I even did not know till now that I could sustain writing, or that I can write this much. Road to Nara became my road to come back to myself, so many memories I have lived in my lifetime, so many duties, responsibilities; as a teacher, Organiser, Correspondent, as student of life, as a student of the Himalayas who gave me my Gurus; that had I had not been writing on this Road to Nara, it must have by now become a mixture of stimulations in my mind.
But I know, I haven’t actually done anything, this is all because of you, It is everyone of you who has made this possible, me possible. Supporting, expressing your joy of travelling with me last one year and a half; I cannot share how much meeting the most beautiful, diverse, immersed readers and writers here has helped me grow quietly, and rekindled that spirit which I never really believed in, which I do not believe in sometimes still. And it is because of you few who have come on this boat sailing together. I thank you.
2021 became a stepping-stone for me personally. I became quieter and somewhere I lead, pushed, motivated myself very subtly, every possible day in and night, from merely seeing to writing. I haven’t written as much ever as I did this year. Even though it is merely half a drop in an Ocean. But I wrote. And I only thought of writing. It was important. Collecting stories that were scattered in various directions in my mind; dimensions so vivid that I had to almost become spider-like to tell myself to sit. To sew. To bring myself to terms with words, and the joy of responsibly sharing it with you all, my Road to Nara co-travellers of this life.
I cannot thank you enough but only tell the world how important each one of you are for me, for our planet, this humankind, and for the universe to bring peace and balance in this world right now. We the fighters with pens and keyboards, you are the saviours as you have been mine. As it wasn’t possible to become a better man, a better human had I had not become this, because of you. Most importantly, and surprisingly through your words.
I would like to thank the most beautiful woman I met here who has the metal to change the way how we perceive nature, who herself is a living nature; Joanna from the blog Naturetails. I am not built to judge or compare but it is important to lead people to what is important and right. Such as Joanna’s blog as I personally feel she is running the most important blog on Word press community, with a heart who listens and transpires that into a melody. Even though It has been a dreadful year for her health yet her dedication of sharing and writing even from hospital beds took my breath away. She has been a mentor like motivator for me, none i have met or seen in my life. She has stood by me like my shadow. I always pray for her and ask every Co-traveller of Road to Nara, to visit her blog and see for yourself the depth and care that she shares; Stories of extraordinary nature and compassion. I owe a lot to you. Thank you. Also that, i assure you it only a start.
Gary, my blog sister from the blog OutofWak has been another reason why I have felt so warmly, so beautiful here, like a family. And to tell you the truth somehow I feel as much connected with her as I do with my own sister here. She is simply the most quaint poet you will find anywhere; Saint like, who can carry you to a point in three lines or may be even one and a half, which might take some writers three paragraphs. Giving Haikus a run of their price. She is a master creator, an explorer of realms, an artist whom I have loved reading, with her other dimensional illustrations. I thank you sis for being you, really. Happy new year.
Richa, whose blog Sweet Jaw was about her experiments with fruits and bakery for her family; discovered that we had things in common so much so that we lived almost in the same locality. Though she is out of blogging for some time now but her words, her constant support, offline has been rare and priceless. I want to tell her that i really treasure it. I heartily thank her and wish her family, her beautiful daughter a lot of health.
Anne, from the blog Horse Addict who’s insights and understanding of the animal world and amongst all horses always keeps me on the edge. She has been a conscious reader and a remarkable supporter. I have learnt so much from her of what all goes in caring and working with the horses, or how beautiful or even repulsive Horse world could be. Thank you Anne, it has been lovely to read you.
Just like Cornelia from the blog Cornelia Webber Photography and Cheryl from the blog Gulf Coast Poet, who have stood by almost every single post, both beautifully sharing their worlds of writing and Photographing, have been amongst my first and oldest readers here on the Road to Nara, whom I really and heartily cherish.
Michael, from the blog The Riverdale Review whose presence I always look forward to, is an intense writer. He observes things of and through a world that has long changed for him. I love his blog for its authenticity, its like a co-passenger sitting observing the driver drive, and with that observant charm that he brings there. I am thankful to him for his constant, admirable, enjoyable, unmoved support. Happy new Year to you Michael.
Rosalina, for me Rosa from the blog Three Worlds One Vision who has also been there with me for a long time, herself is a Novelist and writes sometimes with a harrowing, from experience, intent filled writing. You can check out her new novel ‘The Twisted Circle’, which is getting rave reviews by the critics. I cannot help thank her how valuable her presence has been for me. She brings a world, a lot different from mine, but I understand and connect with her, to what she is looking for, she is seeking and it could be seen in her writings. Happy new Year to you Rosa.
Kaushal Ji, from the blog Kaushal Kishore whose insights are amongst the most humorous ones, filled with simplicity and eloquent insights. He is one who is bringing life to Indian living, just like books of general knowledge used to do it in olden times; with his small, sharp, calculated, detailed understanding of the land and all what comes with it. I am thankful for him for his words that give me hope, every time he writes. Thank you Kaushal Ji.
There are certainly many more, who have come and become a part of this ongoing journey. I wish to see them, keep reading and learning from them each passing week.
: ँ :
It has been as wonderful a year as it had been dreadful for me, for my School is barely breathing. For last two years there are only handful of children, and it is only on screen that we see them. How sad and otherworldly it is!
I travelled in 2020, out of need and bit of work, not too much but I needed it, I at least need the Himalayas every few months, even if do not go anywhere else, i need my mountains. But still travels in the forests will not be same anymore.
Though I am hopeful, as a lot of work is needed to be done in 2021. A lot. And will share it soon so as to go on record. And you will see it as Road to Nara will take a detour, towards a more hands free approach, because i will need to work on myself and in all this transition i would want to continue even if i write few words each week.
A change that I need, if I have to prosper, if other lives have to prosper, collectively, together.
Finally, let me thank each and everyone and wish a year filled with health and a lot of love and care. I look forward to make this world a better journey for all of us.
I will be taking a two week off for myself, to complete something very important. In the meantime if anyone want to share their blog for me and everyone to read, please share it in comments, i would certainly love to come over and read them in time.
Have a beautiful New Year. And may all of us Find our own Road to Nara.
Thank you.
: ँ :
To Contribute to Save Rasool Campaign,
If you are living in India, you can help Rasool by Supporting/Contributing here
And if you are living anywhere outside India, please write to me at nara@road-to-nara.com
: ँ :
If today is the first time you have arrived on The Road to Nara, you are heartily welcome ~ Namaste
And I will take this opportunity to introduce you to About me and importantly;
As a Traveller, my lessons from ten years on the Road , even though its been many more, before you coarse on your own Road to Nara.
: ँ :
To follow my walks through the rural Indian Subcontinent, find me at
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
ROAD TO NARA 
Thank you, Narayan, for your kindness, and I appreciate greatly every word!
Joanna
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Thank you Joanna.. I also hope that you be super healthy and keep making us powerful with your words and wisdom.
Narayan x
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I am always in awe of your travel stories and spiritual journey Narayan. They are truly inspiring and humbling. So happy that you have found a people here who become family and mentors to you. Wishing you boundless growth and peace always. Stay blessed my friend 💙
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So late i am writing this to you Radhika, but i had to.
Your words mean a lot. As your presence, everytime making me feel i must have done something right.. Thank you so much for everything, and above all reading.
And in hope that this year has started on a beautiful note of compassion and care. My wishes.
Narayan x
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Blessings to you, Narayan, as you continue on your road into 2022. May you always be seasoned with such grace. Thank you.
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Thank you so much Dawn. Please accept my apologies for writing this late. But i had to.
Thank you for your words and support. I hope this year has already started showing you the light you need.
My wishes
Narayan x
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Best wishes for the next stretch…2022
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Apologies for such a late reply, but certainly it will still count.
Best wishes to you too. For the next stretch 2022.
Narayan x
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Thank you…yes! It still counts🙌
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I have to come back and add that your great writing talent is obvious in today’s essay, and as you have said, Narayan, it is just a beginning. I have no doubt that one day you will represent India in the way the great Tagore did, and you will make your country rightly proud of you.
Joanna x
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Big words from the biggest Critic of our times. Yes, its the beginning. And i will make it happen. Thank you for everything . You make it possible.
Narayan xx
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May the Road to Nara take you to places visited and unvisited, to sublime heights of spiritual experiences in the coming years. Looking forward to reading all the experiences in 2022 and beyond.
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haa… the only reason this blog, these words are here so that i can make every step worth the travel. It is because of how you are blessing me to. Thank you so so much.
It will take some time but let me tell you it will happen.. (Also It is late of me to write to you after weeks, but it ain’t that late to apologise neither wish). Have beautiful coming year dear Zephyr).And wishes to the family as one.
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HAUMSAFAR bro~gr8Ings my friend
:https://www.urdupoint.com/dictionary/english-to-urdu/fellow-traveller-meaning-in-urdu/128187.html
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Thank you. it was wonderful loitering around with the verses. Thank you for sharing.
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Narayan, thank you for your kind words. It delights my heart to know that, though we live in different worlds, we can connect in spirit. I look forward to following you in the New Year on the Road to Nara. Blessings, fellow traveler ❤
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Dear Narayan, it was through Joanna’s wonderful blog that I came to know yours! I am only a recent follower of the “Road” but you open a window onto a world that I would not have seen otherwise! I might be old(er) but I can still learn and hopefully I still have time!
“Until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand”.
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Thank you Narayan for introducing these wonderful blogs. I agree that they are very important. With the Internet we have a way of communicating that has never existed before and we must prove that it can be used as an instrument for PEACE and goodness in our ravaged world. Bless you always in your endeavours and bless your gentle, kind spirit. All best wishes for the New Year.
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Wish you also in 2022 a good journey on the road to Nara with a lot of growing wisdom and compassion
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Happy New Year Narayan!
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Beautiful tribute post. I wish you happy fruition and completion and return.
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Hi Narayan, you have a gift with words and indeed you are such a treasure to find on wordpress.
Bro i have tried quite hard to donate to Rasool, now i must go to the bank (after new year) for i have your details but the system is not recognising my card!. Dear Narayan, you touch my heart with your world, your words, photography and perspicacity. May you and yours be blessed by all they meet, and may all you meet bless you.
How i think we are all on the road to Nara!.
peace and love all time. sis xo.
(i don’t turn into a girl for just anybody!)
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Narayan, Thank you for sharing your travels and your insights with all of us. I have traveled to places with you that I could never have known otherwise, and I am grateful.
I hope that 2022 brings us beyond the dreadful pandemic and that your school will thrive again. Remote learning is a poor substitute for the love and mentoring of a dedicated teacher and real-life interactions with fellow students.
I hope you will continue to turn to the mountains for inspiration. Memories of the mountains where I lived much of my early life continue to inspire me forty years later. May 2022 be a very productive and satisfying year for you. May your future provide you with many more opportunities to serve your country, and to inspire others through your teaching, writing, photography and videography.
Happy New Year!
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Thank you, Narayan. It has been a great pleasure reading you this year. Like the mountains you revere, your writing never fails to inspire. I am honoured indeed to be included among the list of blogs you consider fellow travellers, and look forward to following you into the New Year. My very best wishes.
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Thank you so much, Narayan ji for your kind words and support. I’m humbled. I follow Joanna and Cheryl, but I would definitely like to follow others too. May your enlightening journey continue with more enthusiasm in the coming year. You’re an excellent communicator. I hope and believe that you will continue to share your wisdom and experience here with your cotravellers on WP. Thank you.
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It’s very unselfish of you to recognize your followers and those blogs who you mentioned in this entry. I’ve enjoyed reading your journeys and look forward to reading more. Namaste and Happy New Year.
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Happy New Year
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Thank you for the Road To Nara. I enjoy your writing immensely because you’re such a good story-teller, and you write with such truth and caring. I’m so glad I disc covered your blog.
I look forward to exploring all the blogs you’ve recommended in this post. And to your new writings, even if only small amounts as you can manage.
Happy New Year Narayan. May 2022 be all you could wish for.
Much love
Alison
alisonanddon.com
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https://alisonanddon.com
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It’s a joy to hear your elation and appreciation Nara! It’s nice to reconnect and I’m happy you are well. I didn’t know Joanna was sick. She is a love as are our many other friends you mentioned that I am honored to know as well. Cheryl and Kausal are gifts as are you! Stay well my friends!
💕❤️💕
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Cindy, yes slowly with passing time it starts feeling like a part of family. Atleast with words shared here. Yes she was pretty serious kind late last year. Was even hospitalised for over a month or more. But the gritty part and which influenced me even was that apart from missing one or at most two posts, she kept writing even from her hospital bed. I cannot think of myself writing like that still. So an inspiration. Like you are too.
Thank you so much again dear Cindy.
Narayan x
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